Theater Casting Many Madisonians

The , in partnership with announces auditions for the Summer Recreation musical Once Upon a Mattress, by Mary Rodgers and Marshall Barer.

Auditions will be held on Saturday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Wednesday, May 23, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the offices of Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey, Madison Civic Center, 28 Walnut Street, Madison 07940.

This project requires quite a large cast and all who try out will be included. Madison residents between 14 and 21 are welcome to audition for this community event.

The play will be performed at Thursday, July 26, through Saturday, July 28. Thursday and Friday shows are at 7:30 p.m., and a Saturday matinee is at 2 p.m.

Rehearsals will take place Monday through Friday from 6 to 9:30 p.m., beginning Monday, June 25.  Weekend rehearsals will take place on Saturday and Sunday, July 21 and 22, the weekend prior to opening. Rehearsals will be held at a location to be determined in Madison.

Advanced sign up is recommended (though last minute auditioners will be accommodated as time permits). Interested performers can sign up in one of three ways:

1. Via e-mail at auditions@ptnj.org , (include name, desired audition date, and phone number);
2. Via phone at 973.514.1787 x13 (include name, desired audition date, e-mail and phone number on answering service);
3. At Playwrights Theatre’s website, www.ptnj.org  (click on link for Madison Recreation Auditions at the updates section in bottom right hand corner of the home page). All appointments will be acknowledged via e-mail.

Preparation

You should be prepared to sing a portion of a song of your choice from a Broadway show. You may sing unaccompanied, bring recorded accompaniment (with no vocals please) or, if you have the sheet music in the correct key, we may be able to have it played for you. You may prepare a short audition monologue or one will be provided for you. Actors may be asked to read selections from the script or do short improvisations. Please note there ARE parts for non-singers (the “King” is mute and pantomimes all of his lines- Fun part for a guy who doesn’t sing!) and those who just want to dance. Everyone should be ready to learn a few dance steps as well.

Once Upon A Mattress is a fun twist on Hans Christian Anderson’s Classic Fairytale "The Princess and the Pea." It has an added subplot that has a more adult theme, and the show features some wonderful up-tempo full cast musical numbers, as well as very humorous songs and situations. The original Broadway cast was led by Carol Burnett and the revival by Sarah Jessica Parker. Many may have seen the made for TV version with an all-star cast (with Burnett as the Queen this time) as well.

We are also looking for students who are interested in playing in the orchestra (rehearsals begin July 9), and people of all ages for building/painting scenery, making costumes or props for one day or the whole project. Those interested can send an e-mail to dconstance@ptnj.org, leave a message at 973-514-1787 x13 or indicate interest at Playwrights Theatre’s website (www.ptnj.org).